Introduction to basic black and white art photography. Use of camera and darkroom equipment. Film exposure and development. Development of printing skills. Analysis of aesthetic criteria and examination of historical figures.

Note(s): Students cannot receive credit for both ARTS 261 and ART 250.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course will examine the basic equipment necessary for shooting and printing photographs for exhibition. Aesthetic and stylistic considerations will be discussed. Students will become familiar with the central figures in the history of the medium. Understanding of the requirements for the care, presentation, and preservation of photographs to achieve archival museum standards will be emphasized. The content of Art 250 will include but will not be limited to:

1. The examination of different camera designs and formats: SLR, TLR, rangefinder and view cameras.
2. Selection and operation of metering systems: Averaging and spot; through-the-lens and hand-held.
3. Selection of optics: Focal length, angle of coverage, perspective, and depth-of-field.
4. Selection of film: format, speed, contrast and grain.
5. Selection of developers: normal and push processing.
6. Summary of the zone system for tonal control.
7. Photographic vision: framing, time, light, atmosphere.
8. Mounting, matting, and presentation of photographs.
9. Use of the enlarger and darkroom procedures.

Detailed Description of the Conduct of the Course

The course will consist of lectures, demonstrations, discussions, critiques, slide presentations and assigned readings pertaining to the content of the course. Students will actively participate in the learning process.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, students will be familiar with the use of photographic tools and technology. Students will obtain a broad overview of the important figures in the history of art photography, and will recognize the primary stylistic variants within that history. Students will understand the unique qualities of photographic seeing, and will discuss and evaluate how photographic images have influenced our culture. Students will learn how to express themselves through this medium.

This course is one of several offerings within the art department that fulfills a two-dimensional requirement. It is suggested for anyone majoring in art and is highly recommended for students concentrating in graphic design or in art education. This course does not fulfill general education requirements for fine arts under humanities.